Influence of whey protein concentrate, additives, their combinations on the quality and microstructure of vermicelli made from Indian T. Durum wheat variety

Effect of whey protein concentrate (5%, 7.5%, 10%) and additives on the quality of vermicelli made from Indian durum wheat was studied. The results revealed that with increase in whey protein concentrate (WPC) from 0% to 10%, cooked vermicelli weight increased from 82.5 to 88 g/25 g, cooking loss increased from 6.0 to 8.4%, L values indicating lightness increased (47.42–52.9); b values indicating yellowness decreased (7.0–3.80) and shear force decreased (66–45 g). Sensory evaluation of vermicelli with 5%, 7.5%, 10% WPC showed that addition of above 5% WPC resulted in whitish colour vermicelli with mashy strand quality and sticky mouthfeel. Studies on the effect of additives namely ascorbic acid (0.01% and 0.015%), gluten (1.5% and 3.0%) and glycerol monostearate (GMS) (0.25% and 0.5%) individually as well as in combination on the quality of vermicelli with 5% WPC indicated that combination of 0.01% ascorbic acid, 3% gluten and 0.5% GMS resulted in vermicelli having lower cooking loss, creamy yellow colour, firm, discrete strands and non-sticky mouthfeel. The protein content of vermicelli with 5% WPC and combination of additives was 16% as against 11.5% of control vermicelli. Scanning electron microscopy study of control vermicelli, vermicelli with 5% WPC and vermicelli with 5% WPC and combination of additives revealed that vermicelli with 5% WPC showed a rough surface with a prominent rupture while vermicelli with 5% WPC and combination of additives showed a continuous, rupture free structure.